The (relaxed) Wednesday Walk 21st September 2011

The Plan

Whitecliff to Poole

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Trisha, Trudy H, Beatrice, David (and Trudy B from lunchtime onwards)

The Walk
The morning started a little chilly, but it was dry and bright. We met a Whitecliff car park and walked along the shore to Poole Quay. Three people decided to avail themsleves of the exercise machinery in the park. Whether that was a good idea remains to be seen. About the same time we saw the sail training ship, Royalist, putting to sea. A little farther on we found the viewing area for the new Twin Sails bridge across the Holes Bay narrows. It was the first chance we had had to see how work is progressing. Hopefully, it will be completed before the start of the olympic games next year. We then walked back to the quay and chose The Antelope for our lunch. A quick phone call to Trudy B helped her to join us for the second half of the day.
After lunch we walked up through the town and then down through the park on our way back to Whitecliff. Overall, a very pleasant and relaxing walk, level throughout and not too long.

The Pub
The Antelope at the lower end of the High Street. It was the first time we had patronised this pub and first impressions were favourable. Most of us had the 'Two Meals for £9.95' deal which turned out to be good value. Even the coffee was declared to be "Not bad" which is the same as saying it was pretty good.

Next Week
Diane's birthday tea at Corfe.

The Wednesday Walk 14th September 2011

The Plan
A walk around Frogham

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Ros, Trudy B, Trudy H, Sue, Beatrice and Tony H, Diane and Tony R, David

The Walk
The day started cool but dry, ideal for an energetic walk. We drove to our usual parking spot in Frogham, close by Hyde Common. Our morning walk took us on the usual trail west of Frogham, across the common, curving back towards the school and church. We were delayed for a short while by ladies scrumping apples from a well laden tree. The culprits could be seen eating as the walk progressed back onto Hyde Common and so round to the pub.
After lunch we took a venture into unknown territory. We walked down Blissford Hill and then branched left along a path that took us to Ditchend Brook, which we crossed by a small bridge. The land beyond it seems to be known as Newfoundland. It seemed as remote to us as we made our way through fields and overgrown pathways until we reached Stuckton. Trudy's photos show us struggling out of the overgrown trail that ends at Stuckton. From there we struggled back up Frogham Hill, a climb which took the wind out of the sails of one or two walkers.

The Pub
The Foresters at Frogham. The good news is (a) they still do their famous pies and (b) they still taste good. The bad news is (a) the prices have risen steeply and (b) the pub is now closed Mondays and Tuesdays every week, a sign of a pub losing trade.

Next Week
Meet at Whitecliff car park at 1030 for a walk into Poole.

The Wednesday Walk 7th September 2011

The Plan
A walk around Fiddleford

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Diane, Trudy H, Trudy B, Trisha, David

The Walk
The sky looked a little overcast but it was dry so we had hopes of a pleasant walk. We drove to the Sturminster Mill car park. We then crossed the main road and climbed the hill to Piddles Wood. This was a walk we had enjoyed several times before, but in the reverse direction. Wendy noted how the woodland path had been widened since our last visit, making it more easy-going, but less adventurous. From the woods, we walked down to Fiddleford. The inn here had been refurbished since we last walked in this area so our visit was something of a recce.
After lunch we took the route across the fields parallel with the river towards Sturminster Newton. The path was easy going and level and took us right into the town. We had a brief hiccup when Wendy tripped and hurt her wrist. We all hope you will not be too badly bruised tomorrow, Wendy. Once we were in the town, some detours were made through the discount shops.
A couple of times during the day we wondered if the overcast might turn to rain but luck was on our side and we remained dry throughout. We finished off the day with cakes and tea courtesy of Diane and Tony. Thank you both for your hospitality.

The Pub
The Fiddleford Inn. This has to be a good one. For the first time in many a month the pie-eater couldn't finish his pie. The food was well prepared and presented and everone had good helpings. Even the coffee was pronounced to be "pretty good" and it has to be good to pass scrutiny with the Wednesday Walkers.

Next Week
Meet at David's for a pie-fest in the forest